Facials & Breast Massage- What do Breast Lumps Feel Like?

As estheticians we typically include massaging the decollete during a facial and for those of us who offer massage therapy, we massage around the breast area, if not the actual breasts themselves. It is pretty apparent that different cultures have different levels of comfort when is comes to having their breasts massaged.

This is a great opportunity as an esthetician to be aware of possible, yet unwanted breast lumps. Let’s briefly covers what these lumps could feel like. The feel of a breast lump will depend on its cause, location, and growth. They can vary greatly from painful, hard, and immobile to soft, painless, and easily moveable.

Lumps are most likely to be cancerous if they are painless, hard, unevenly shaped, and immobile.

Fibroadenoma lumps tend to be painless, easily movable, smooth, rounded and can disappear on their own.

Breast cysts are smooth but firm.

Breast abscesses and mastitis usually cause painful, swollen lumps, and are often accompanied by a fever and or redness around the affected skin.

Women who have undergone breast surgery often experience pain, tightness, swelling, edema – and, in the case of mastectomy, feelings of grief and loss. To assist with the client’s healing and recovery process, a breast massage can be added to your menu of services*.

A 50 minute breast massage provide benefits such as relaxation, pain relief, emotional support, reduction of both swelling and tightness, softening of scar tissue, and alleviation of edema. Massage can also help “reconnect” mastectomy patients to their own bodies as this amputation can create a disconnect for the client and it’s a wonderful way for a woman to get in touch with their bodies again.

*Please ensure you are working within the scope of your certification/license.